The Season Finally Wakes Up!

With the sun shining yesterday and with light winds and warm temperatures, I took a walk at Shuart, just east of Reculver where I traditionally normally see my first Hairy Dragonflies of the year. There are some excellent sheltered areas and a long drove which you can walk down which has high trees on each side and plenty of flowering Alexander plants at the moment which in turn attract plenty of insects. It is here along this ride that I normally encounter Hairy Dragonflies as they patrol up and down feasting on insects.

Shuart Drove

They often rest low down in the Alexanders and if you are lucky enough, can give nice views for the camera. Having searched for a while with no luck, I suddenly saw a dragonfly fly past me and land on a large leaf, partially in the sun and shade, typical. It was my first male Hairy Dragonfly of the year. For me, this moment is like seeing the first Swallow of hearing the first Cuckoo of the year, just iconic moments. Despite not the best position, I took a few shots before he was off and thankfully he landed quite near low down in some Alexanders.

Hairy Dragonfly (male)

I carefully got onto my knees and slowly made my way nearer, taking numerous stings from the nettles until I had a cleanish view. I rattled off a few pleasing shots and also made the time to study this fine dragonfly. I was even able to get in quite near and take a few closer shots of the head and thorax.

Hairy Dragonfly (male)

After a while he was off again which was my cue to exit and head over to Westbere Lakes. I walked up to the river and west for a while where in an hour or so I noted c40 Variable Damselfly, many more i'm sure, c20 Azure Damselfly, 4 Blue tailed Damselfly and just 1 Large Red Damselfly. I always struggle initially early season to identify some Azure and variable Damselflies but I think I eventually got most right. I did take a number of photos but being quite fussy, I think I can do much better and so will try again in the next few weeks when they have matured up. On my way home I called into Nethergong where in a brief walk I saw 2 Hairy Dragonfly in flight. The season is well and truly here now and know better start than to find and photograph the male Hairy Dragonfly, brilliant!! Hopefully this weather will continue and I can get out at the weekend to see what else is about and wants to be photographed.

Hairy Dragonfly (male)